Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie Read online

  “Not unlike you,” Jake grumbled as Daniel plunked the drink in front of him. “I still can’t believe you never told any of us about your marriage to Cecily. For five years, you’ve kept this to yourself.”

  “Cecily is in the past. It hardly matters at the moment.” Daniel assumed the seat adjacent to his brother. “Right now I’m concerned with our immediate future.”

  “Tell me the risks.”

  He repeated the story Lisette had told him about Reynaud, as well as revealing his suspicions that the man might be responsible for her father’s death. “It seems damned convenient he arrived to rescue Lisette less than a fortnight after her father’s throat was sliced from ear to ear. Not to mention, Reynaud made promises to Lisette that leave me with the impression he intended to gain control of Rafe’s inheritance. He wouldn’t be the first blackguard to live off the estate of his ward.”

  Jake frowned as he sipped his drink. “But why pursue the lady? Isn’t it obvious she has cried off? Why not find another lady to take her place?”

  “Excellent question.” Daniel drummed his fingers against the tabletop. “I suspect his pride has been damaged, which is more important to many men than financial gain.”

  “When he catches us, will you turn her over to him?”

  Hell no. Fierce protectiveness reared inside Daniel, but he couldn’t allow his emotions to rule his decisions. He rammed his fingers through his hair. “Reynaud may well be a monster. I don’t want to let her go with him.”

  “Then don’t. We have the firepower to fight.”

  “But what about Amelia and your child? Should I endanger them and my men for Lisette?”

  His brother’s bluster died down. “I understand the situation is not to be taken lightly, but…”

  A pain gnawed at Daniel’s gut. Jake and his growing family meant everything to him. He had given his brother hell as long as he could remember, but Jake had been too trusting. He’d needed someone to toughen him up before the world knocked him on his arse. Daniel wouldn’t do anything to bring actual harm to him.

  “I can’t make the choice for you, Daniel, but if you feel anything for Lisette even close to what I feel for Amelia, you can’t let her go.” Jake held his gaze without wavering. “I’ll stand by your decision, whatever it may be.”

  “I know you will. You are loyal to a fault.”

  “Says the pot to the kettle.” Jake moved to Daniel’s side and slapped his back affectionately. “The way I figure it, we all benefit from the lady’s continued presence. You’re less of a jackass with Lisette onboard.”

  Daniel chuckled. “I’m not certain she would agree.”

  “No, I don’t suppose she would.” Jake flashed a sardonic grin and snatched the tumbler from the table to drain it.

  By late afternoon, there was no longer any question the other ship was following them. Their pursuer would overtake the ship in approximately two hours, if all variables stayed the same. The Cecily was too large to outrun the smaller vessel, but she could blast her to the devil.

  Daniel could just make out the lettering on the bow. Mihos. The Egyptian lion god, also known as the Lord of Slaughter. He would be damned if Reynaud got his paws on Lisette or those she loved.

  The trouble was making certain she didn’t override Daniel’s decision. As she had told him on more than one occasion, he had no authority over her. Likely, she wouldn’t go with Reynaud of her own accord, unless the arrogant bugger coerced her. Daniel wouldn’t assume that risk, and thanks to Amelia’s initiative, he had a perfect solution.

  Patch accepted the spyglass from Daniel and peered through it.

  “Gather all the passengers in my quarters in ten minutes,” he commanded his first mate then turned on his heel. He must speak with one passenger before they all gathered around his table.

  ***

  Lisette huddled at the long table in the great room along with the usual dinner guests, minus Rafe and Daniel’s men. Daniel stood at one end of the table, commanding all eyes on him. Her pulse jumped as he met her gaze. There was no amusement there today. Something was gravely wrong.

  “A situation has arisen over the last few hours. It has come to my attention we are being followed by another ship.”

  Serafine grasped Lisette’s hand under the table and squeezed. Lisette held on tightly.

  “Who is it?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

  Daniel walked around the table and knelt by her side. “It appears to be Reynaud.”

  “No,” she and Serafine said in unison.

  Lisette’s heart slammed against her ribs. It couldn’t be Reynaud. “He wouldn’t pursue us across the ocean. That would be insane.”

  Daniel’s hand brushed her shoulder. “I’m sorry, luv. I realize the insanity of the situation, but it is Reynaud, and he’s coming for you.”

  “Well, send him away,” Amelia said. “She obviously wants nothing to do with him, or she wouldn’t have fled in the first place.”

  Lisette ducked her head. Did everyone know of her lies now?

  “I have no authority over Mademoiselle Lavigne,” Daniel said, “but I would like to offer my protection all the same.”

  Lisette met his gaze and her heart filled to bursting. “You would protect us from Reynaud? I don’t know how to thank you, Captain.”

  “There are a few details we need to work out between us, but I believe this would be better done in privacy.” He stood and offered his hand. “May I speak with you in my office, mademoiselle?”

  Her stomach plunged. She felt sick. What would he demand for his protection?

  Serafine nudged her. “Go,” she whispered.

  Lisette pushed back the wave of nausea rolling over her and rose from her chair without taking his hand.

  “Please wait for us here,” he said to everyone gathered at the table. “We’ll have need of you in a moment.”

  Lisette preceded Daniel into the office and moved to the windows along the stern. All she could see was blue, nothing sinister outside. “How far away is he?”

  He came up behind her and placed his hands on her waist, drawing her against him. “He will overtake us before nightfall, but we can defeat him in a fight. I’ll refuse to hand you over, as I’m certain he will demand. I expect a confrontation to ensue, but I swear I won’t give you up, Lisette.” His breath lifted the tendrils of hair that had fallen from her coiffure and sent a cold shiver down her back.

  She couldn’t look at him. He knew how much her family and their survival meant to her. Would he dangle his protection like a carrot to get what he wanted? “What is it you wish in return?”

  “Nothing.” Daniel sounded genuinely appalled and released her.

  She turned toward him. “You want nothing from me in exchange?”

  “A small amount of gratitude might be nice.”

  Heat licked up her neck. He had done nothing to break his vow of protecting her virtue since they had departed from Port Albis. “My apologies, Captain. I’m grateful for your assistance. I simply do not expect your protection without some price attached. It would be unfair of me to ask it of you.”

  A corner of his lip lifted. “Yes, there is much I’ll have to bear as your protector, but I believe I’m up for the task.” He gathered her hands in his and urged her closer. “Lisette, the most effective means available to me to protect you is to make you my wife. Mr. Ramsey has agreed to wed us now.”

  “Your wife?” She felt as if a piece of the sky had broken off and landed on her.

  “I know your aspirations are aimed higher, but I can adequately support you and your family.”

  “But that’s untrue. In reference to my aspirations, I mean,” she added in response to his glower. “I would be fortunate to be your wife. In fact, I could do much worse.”

  He chuckled, the lively spark returning to his eyes as he slid his arms around her waist. “Thank you, luv. That’s high praise coming from you.”

  “You know my meaning,” she said and swatted his shoulder. �
��Are you certain this is the only way?”

  “Absolutely.” He nuzzled her neck, sending flutters of excitement to the tips of her fingers and toes. “But you must say yes first.”

  Marriage to Daniel seemed the easy way out of her troubles. She wouldn’t be forced to hunt for a husband in London, he would provide for them well on the Cecily, and he would keep them safe from Reynaud. The only drawback was Daniel loved someone else while her heart belonged to him. This gave her no small amount of anxiety. Yet she would be mad to turn down his offer when he would keep Rafe from Reynaud’s grasp.

  “No more hesitating. Give me an answer, wench.”

  “Wench?”

  His dimple appeared. “So sorry. I meant to say my darling.”

  “That’s more like it,” she said with a smile, but her jocularity faded. If he would make this sacrifice for her, she must offer him something in return, even if his acceptance would bring her pain. “But, Daniel, once we reach England, if you wish to annul—”

  His hearty laugh drowned out her words. “Impossible. There will be no grounds, I can assure you. Everything is in excellent working order.”

  She blinked. Whatever did he mean? Her eyes widened as understanding flooded over her. He intended to make her his wife, not simply give her his name.

  Her legs trembled and she leaned against him for support. “I see. But if you wish to live apart once we arrive—”

  “Be quiet, Lis.” Her argument was swallowed up by his kiss. His soft lips moved with possessiveness over hers, and he pulled her snug against him. Her fingers splayed over his chest.

  Sweet Mary and Joseph. She could explore Daniel’s hardened body without any cause for shame once they spoke their vows. And he could explore her too. Her stomach somersaulted. The thought of baring herself to his eyes made her tremble even more.

  He broke their embrace and captured her hand to lead her to the great room where everyone waited.

  “If I may have your attention,” Daniel called, and every eye looked their way. “Mademoiselle Lavigne has accepted my offer of marriage. We shall marry today.”

  Cries of delight and applause erupted around the table, even from Serafine. Her cousin bounced from her seat and across the cabin to fling her arms around Lisette. “This is the right thing to do,” she murmured in her ear. “Don’t doubt yourself.”

  Why the change of heart?

  “Let’s go below deck. Amelia has the perfect dress for the occasion.”

  “Did everyone know his intentions except me?”

  Amelia linked arms and whisked Lisette out the great cabin door. “Mr. Ramsey folded under pressure. He didn’t stand a chance at maintaining Daniel’s confidence.”

  Serafine and Amelia giggled like young girls as they assisted Lisette with preparing for her nuptials.

  “I’ve grown fond of Daniel over the last several months,” Amelia said. “I believe he will make an excellent husband. Perhaps a bit overbearing at times, but from what I’ve seen, he’ll not get away with riding roughshod over you, mademoiselle.”

  Lisette bit the inside of her cheek. “Do you think he truly wishes to marry me?”

  “Of course.” Amelia repositioned a hairpin and stepped back to admire her creation. “You look lovely. Perhaps I’ll no longer require a lady’s maid once we arrive home. I’ve gotten quite good at arranging hair.”

  “You employ a lady’s maid?” Lisette hadn’t given much thought to Amelia’s station in England.

  Her friend laughed, her bluest-of-blue eyes sparkling. “What a silly question. No lady goes without one. You must begin interviews the moment we arrive in London.”

  “Oh no, I wouldn’t expect a lady’s maid to travel onboard with us. Besides, I’m not certain I should burden my groom with the expense.”

  “Dear girl, do you really have no idea whom you are marrying? Daniel Hillary is one of the wealthiest gentlemen in England. Your future husband not only owns the Cecily, he is part owner of the second largest shipping company in the world. Daniel, Jake, and their older brother inherited their grandfather’s fortune. You have no cause to worry about burdening him.”

  Merde. Lisette wanted to crawl under her chair. At The Abyss, she had called the owner of the Cecily greedy. She buried her face in her hands. “I am a complete fool.”

  Amelia hugged her. “You’re nothing of the sort, dearest. And you are good for Daniel. Now, I’ll leave you so you may have some time with Serafine before the vows are spoken.”

  She bustled out the door, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.

  Lisette glanced up at her cousin. “Did you know about Daniel’s wealth?”

  “Amelia hadn’t said a word.”

  “He’s my Englishman. We’ll have no more worries once we reach London.”

  “Heavens above, how could that be?” Tears welled in Serafine’s eyes. “I’m sorry I misled you.”

  Lisette grabbed her hand and squeezed. “I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d claimed his intentions honorable.”

  A knock at the door startled them. “Enter.”

  One of Daniel’s men poked his head inside. “The captain ordered me to bring yer things to his quarters, miss.”

  “So soon?”

  Serafine nodded toward Lisette’s trunk. “At the end of the far cot.”

  The man completed his duties with efficiency, tossing the trunk on his shoulder. At the door, he stopped. “Congratulations on yer upcoming nuptials, miss. The captain’ll take good care of ye.”

  Once the man disappeared, Serafine sat on the edge of her cot and leaned forward. “About the wedding night…”

  “Stop!” Lisette held up both hands. “Must we discuss such things now? Don’t worry. Someday I’ll enlighten you on what transpires between a husband and wife.” Such as the day the devil donned a ball gown and danced a country jig.

  Serafine’s mouth dropped open; her cousin was finally at a loss for words.

  Another knock sounded at the door. “Miss, the captain is waiting for you.”

  Twenty-one

  The wind-swollen sails of the Mihos carried her over the waves, and her flags whipped from the mast. Frothy white water parted for her bow. Daniel’s newfound enemy would be upon them soon.

  He handed Lisette the spyglass. She gazed through it then passed the glass back to Daniel. “It’s him. I recognize the flag.”

  The Mihos’s personal flag displayed a red lion standing erect with claws bared against a white background.

  Daniel hugged Lisette to him and kissed her temple. “Take Rafe, Serafine, and Amelia below deck. Stay out of sight no matter what transpires on deck. Have I made myself clear?”

  Lisette’s emerald gaze narrowed and her jaw jutted forward. He returned her glare without blinking. She may dislike him ordering her about like one of his men, but he was in charge.

  She turned to her entourage. “You heard the captain. We are to cower below deck.”

  “Now, that’s a good wife,” he said. To annoy her further, he popped her on the bottom, eliciting an outraged squeal.

  “Monsieur!”

  Several of his crew chuckled, and she turned crimson, slaying Daniel with one dirty look. Good. He preferred her angry with him than frightened by the coming confrontation.

  “Run along.” He made shooing motions with his hands and grinned in the face of her displeasure.

  She snatched Rafe’s hand in hers and marched to the hatch with him in tow. Serafine hurried behind, throwing a wary glance over her shoulder before disappearing below deck.

  Jake shook his head and offered his arm to Amelia. “You’re hopeless. I’ll be back in a moment. Don’t start the fun without me.”

  Amelia looked paler than normal. “Jake, you will be careful, won’t you?”

  “Of course, sweetheart. There’s no cause for concern.”

  Daniel felt a twinge of apprehension as his brother escorted his pregnant wife below deck. What if Daniel had underestimated Reynaud and was placing everyone in
danger? Perhaps he should have tried outrunning the other ship. He shook off his uncertainty and squared his shoulders. There was no turning back now.

  Daniel gazed through the spyglass again. The Mihos had dropped half her sails and was slowing.

  “Heave to,” he said to Patch.

  His first mate called out his command. “Heave to.”

  They would hold their position, readying for battle if they must. The Mihos was still out of range of the guns, but Daniel refused to shed blood if he could avoid it. Putting the fear of God into the Mihos’s crew was another story.

  “Fire a warning shot in case she is contemplating unfriendliness.”

  His order echoed along the deck. “Fire once across the bow.”

  The thunderous boom of the cannon vibrated in Daniel’s chest, and the deck under his feet quivered. The ball crashed through the surface of the sea, shooting water into the air approximately thirty feet from the approaching ship. Her remaining sails dropped amid distant shouts from the seamen on the Mihos.

  Daniel had their attention.

  He counted on most of the crew from the other ship having no experience in battle. Not so on the Cecily. After the war, the Royal Navy no longer required the services of as many sailors and released them from their duties without pensions. Daniel had employed several of these men, paid them well, and provided the best conditions possible on ship. In return, the Cecily possessed a loyal crew ready to fight for her.

  The Mihos raised her white flag, the first victory for Daniel and his men.

  “Let’s see what she wants.”

  The crew on the other ship bustled on deck, readying a rowboat. None of the men appeared to be the captain.

  Jake met Daniel on the main deck. “The firing of the gun has the women on edge. I hope this matter can be resolved quickly.”

  “Me too,” he said. “This jackass is interfering with my amorous rites.”

  “Only you would think on such things at a time like this.”

  “Are there more pleasing subjects to contemplate than bedding one’s wife?”